We could include an option to scan a barcode instead of taking a picture - Would make it easier for items with bar codes, and then if there isn't a code then a picture could be used.

Yep , but what I meant was something different, I was suggesting you how there are great similarities in the "procedure" or "workflow".

There are virtually no differences between making (correctly) an inventory of a warehouse and "cataloguing" items found during a search (well things in a warehouse should be slightly better accessible ), basically "by hand":
Warehouse inventory:

you get where the stuff is carrying your blocknotes, pen and (optionally) a camera

you examine the item on the scaffolding

you take notes of what it is and where it is

optionally you take a picture of it

loop to #2 until no items left

Caltaloguing items found in a search:

you get to the place carrying your blocknotes, pen, camera and some containers for evidence

you examine the item found

you take notes of what it is

you take a picture of it

you put it in an evidence container (and seal/sign/date/etc.)

loop to #2 until no items left

you carry the evidence containers away with you or arrange to have them delivered to laboratory

When it goes to "automated" and with the help of a tablet instead of the paper/pen the procedure is exactly the same in both cases, when doing an inventory you might want to use a bar code scanner to be faster and avoid mistakes when copying serials/labels/ID's etc., but the workflow is the same.

The suggestion was that since the "inventory" kind of software exist, you could have a look at some of them to understand how exactly the workflow is arranged (as I presume that their developers will have tested sequences/commands/sound alerts if needed/etc./etc. that result in either a faster or "as intuitive as possible" procedure).

jaclaz
_________________- In theory there is no difference between theory and practice, but in practice there is. -